The Devastating Impact of Early Springs on Bird Populations
Rising global temperatures due to climate change are causing spring to arrive earlier, which is negatively impacting bird populations. A study by UCLA found that songbirds are struggling to adjust to the changing seasons, resulting in fewer young being raised. The earlier arrival of spring makes it harder for birds to determine the appropriate time to breed, leading to decreased breeding productivity. As the planet continues to heat up, these challenges are expected to worsen. Researchers warn that if spring arrives 25 days earlier by the end of the century, bird populations could experience a catastrophic decrease of around 12%. Urgent intervention is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on bird populations.